Boom comes up big in his return
Dave Thurman (9:15 pm)
"I was worried about losing until I looked down the floor and saw Dale Brown. Then I knew we had a chance."
-Bob Knight commenting on a comeback win in a 1987 NCAA game against LSU
One of my favorite quotes of all time came from Coach Bob Knight, after his Hoosiers came back from the brink of elimination to topple LSU, coached by Dale Brown, on their way to an NCAA title. If you are old enough to remember Brown, then you recall that he talked a good game, was a big-time recruiter, but was pretty weak on the bench. Teams often came from behind against his LSU hoops squads.
That little history lesson is not without a point. Knight's sarcastic comment came to my mind as I watched the Buckeyes take on the Illini Saturday. I was worried, and even picked Illinois to win a close one, despite believing (and sharing in my preview) that Ohio State had some intangibles in their favor. But I made a terrible mistake. I forgot it was Ron Zook on the opposing sideline. Epic fail on my part. Like Dale Brown of LSU, Zook can reel them in but has a hard time using the talent once he has it.
However, as I watched Illinois try and make their comeback in the fourth quarter I had learned my lesson and was more optimistic. I just knew the Zookster would botch things, and sure enough, he did. I'm not ready to annoint Luke Fickell a great coach, but he is better that Zook, and on Saturday, that was good enough.
So what stood out in this low scoring win at windy Memorial Stadium?
1. Boom Herron is the real deal. I like Jordan Hall, though he is best as a return man, and a change-up back. I really like Carlos Hyde who has size and speed and just needs to learn how to read his blockers better. But Boom Herron is clearly in another league at this point, and his toughness and experience was huge. Coupled with Mike Adams' return a week earlier, it is safe to say that the OSU running game is back. Thank heavens for that!
"I was worried about losing until I looked down the floor and saw Dale Brown. Then I knew we had a chance."
-Bob Knight commenting on a comeback win in a 1987 NCAA game against LSU
One of my favorite quotes of all time came from Coach Bob Knight, after his Hoosiers came back from the brink of elimination to topple LSU, coached by Dale Brown, on their way to an NCAA title. If you are old enough to remember Brown, then you recall that he talked a good game, was a big-time recruiter, but was pretty weak on the bench. Teams often came from behind against his LSU hoops squads.
That little history lesson is not without a point. Knight's sarcastic comment came to my mind as I watched the Buckeyes take on the Illini Saturday. I was worried, and even picked Illinois to win a close one, despite believing (and sharing in my preview) that Ohio State had some intangibles in their favor. But I made a terrible mistake. I forgot it was Ron Zook on the opposing sideline. Epic fail on my part. Like Dale Brown of LSU, Zook can reel them in but has a hard time using the talent once he has it.
However, as I watched Illinois try and make their comeback in the fourth quarter I had learned my lesson and was more optimistic. I just knew the Zookster would botch things, and sure enough, he did. I'm not ready to annoint Luke Fickell a great coach, but he is better that Zook, and on Saturday, that was good enough.
So what stood out in this low scoring win at windy Memorial Stadium?
1. Boom Herron is the real deal. I like Jordan Hall, though he is best as a return man, and a change-up back. I really like Carlos Hyde who has size and speed and just needs to learn how to read his blockers better. But Boom Herron is clearly in another league at this point, and his toughness and experience was huge. Coupled with Mike Adams' return a week earlier, it is safe to say that the OSU running game is back. Thank heavens for that!
2. Braxton Miller was not 100%. Clearly the 2011 edition of the Scarlet and Gray needs the young phenom in the lineup. And he did some good things Saturday (like hand off to Boom), but he was not completley healthy as some of his teammates had proposed. Miller could not make his famous cuts, but gutted it out and led his team to victory.
3. Ohio State football has been set back 40 years. Woody may have been smiling from wherever he is (I won't offer commentary on this), but most of us are frowning. I love physical, Big Ten football, but in the 21st century a team has to embrace the forward pass to win. I know it was windy. I realize Miller had a hard time planting on his injured ankle. And I realize the Illini never mounted any offense until the fourth quarter. But, still, there is no reason to hand off every play. What about screen passes, tight-end drags, and other high percentage throws? When Stoneburner finally caught the only completition of the contest I didn't know whether to legitimately applaud the fact that it gave OSU a 17-0 lead, or offer a Bronx Cheer that we had avoided becoming the laughing stock of Sports Center for failing to complete one pass.
4. John Simon and Johnathan Hankins are a dynamic duo. When able to play together in the middle of the line, this is as good a combo as I have seen at OSU in a very long time. Simon is strong, quick for his size, and has a motor that never stops. Hankins is huge, light on his feet, and incredibly strong. How good would this line be with a healthy Nathan Williams at defensive end?
5. Winning ugly never felt so good. Yes it was ugly. Did we expect less with this year's team, in a game played at Champaign? After the Nebraska debacle I told Drew, "For me, this might be the most disappointing loss ever." but after Saturday's game I text him saying, "This might be the most satisfying win of all time." A loss at Illinois, knowing that Wisconsin was coming next, might have caused this young team to check out. Instead, they manned up, played some excellent defense, took care of the football, played solid special teams, and gutted out a must win. Hats off to the team and coaching staff (except you Jim Bollman - you are in my permanent doghouse).
Let's enjoy the bye week, get a few guys healthy, and prepare for a physical game against a very talented Wisconsin team. The good news is that this Buckeye squad isn't done yet, and the future is still bright.
3. Ohio State football has been set back 40 years. Woody may have been smiling from wherever he is (I won't offer commentary on this), but most of us are frowning. I love physical, Big Ten football, but in the 21st century a team has to embrace the forward pass to win. I know it was windy. I realize Miller had a hard time planting on his injured ankle. And I realize the Illini never mounted any offense until the fourth quarter. But, still, there is no reason to hand off every play. What about screen passes, tight-end drags, and other high percentage throws? When Stoneburner finally caught the only completition of the contest I didn't know whether to legitimately applaud the fact that it gave OSU a 17-0 lead, or offer a Bronx Cheer that we had avoided becoming the laughing stock of Sports Center for failing to complete one pass.
4. John Simon and Johnathan Hankins are a dynamic duo. When able to play together in the middle of the line, this is as good a combo as I have seen at OSU in a very long time. Simon is strong, quick for his size, and has a motor that never stops. Hankins is huge, light on his feet, and incredibly strong. How good would this line be with a healthy Nathan Williams at defensive end?
5. Winning ugly never felt so good. Yes it was ugly. Did we expect less with this year's team, in a game played at Champaign? After the Nebraska debacle I told Drew, "For me, this might be the most disappointing loss ever." but after Saturday's game I text him saying, "This might be the most satisfying win of all time." A loss at Illinois, knowing that Wisconsin was coming next, might have caused this young team to check out. Instead, they manned up, played some excellent defense, took care of the football, played solid special teams, and gutted out a must win. Hats off to the team and coaching staff (except you Jim Bollman - you are in my permanent doghouse).
Let's enjoy the bye week, get a few guys healthy, and prepare for a physical game against a very talented Wisconsin team. The good news is that this Buckeye squad isn't done yet, and the future is still bright.
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